Crag Climbing

Crag Courses (all branches)

Seattle Crag Modules
Introduction to Leading Bolted Routes
Single Pitch Trad Climbing
Multi-pitch Trad Climbing

The Crag Climbing course is designed to teach the skills, knowledge, and techniques needed to safely lead traditional routes on outdoor crags. 

The Crag Course will teach safe use of active and passive protection needed for lead climbing in the crag environment, construction of safe anchor systems for top-rope/lead climbing, swinging leads on mid-5th class (5.4 - 5.8) multi-pitch climbs, belaying a partner from multiple directions, rappelling in a variety of settings, and other pertinent skills. The Crag course does not teach alpine travel and navigation techniques, nor is it a beginning climbing class. 

Individuals who graduate from the Crag course may be able to apply these skills to other Mountaineers climbing courses; interested individuals should consult with the Administrative branches of the prospective course to determine equivalency.

Course instruction includes:

• Selection and use of equipment needed to safely lead traditional rock climbs
• Climbing techniques and strategies
• Safe anchor construction and top-rope setups
• Placement and efficient use of passive and active rock protection

Equipment costs are your own responsibility, and can range from $200 to $800 or more depending on what you already own and how much you can afford.  Gear commonly used throughout the course includes:

• Rope
• Passive protection (e.g. 1 set of nuts)
• Active protection (e.g. 1 set of Black Diamond cams, size 0.4 to 3 or equivalent camalots)
• Alpine draws (e.g. 6 sewn runners with 12 wiregate carabiners)
• Personal gear (harness, rock shoes, helmet, auto blocking belay device i.e., BD ATC Guide or Petzl Reverso, and 2 personal anchors)

Additionally, obtaining a Remote Medical First Aid Training certification, if not current, is required for graduation.  This is an additional course and fee.

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